Police target drugs in amusement parlours

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Ken Pau says his venue runs in compliance with the law.Picture:Michael Clayton-Jones

Police issued an ultimatum to amusement parlour owners in Russell Street yesterday: help police with anti-drug measures or face closure.

Superintendent Mick Williams said high levels of drug use and drug-related theft in the street were linked to the venues.

"A number of amusement parlours in the area are virtually operated as safe havens for drug traffickers," he said. Mr Williams said patrols with new police sniffer dogs would help control crime in Russell Street but the amusement parlours also had to comply with permit conditions and increase security.

"I'm expecting them to work with us and help prevent - particularly in their premises - incidents of drug trafficking," he said.

The sniffer-dog patrols are part of a larger six-month trial also covering areas in Richmond and Footscray, he said.

Yesterday's operation resulted in six people being detected in relation to drug matters. Another four are facing theft or breach of bail charges or were picked up on outstanding warrants.

Melbourne Lord Mayor John So welcomed the program, saying the City of Melbourne would work closely with police to reduce drug crime on Russell and Bourke streets.

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"If there is proof by police that a business has been engaged in illegal activities, then of course they should take action," he said.

But Amusement Zone manager Ken Pau said he provided good security for his premises and worked with police to reduce drug crime.

"We have an anti-drug policy and we don't want anybody selling drugs in the shop," he said.